In an era where looking stylish is becoming increasingly important, you need
to have the complete lowdown on menís winter coats before youíre able to choose
the right one for your wardrobe. Todayís sartorial style demands that you steer
clear of conventional wisdom. Renewed versions of traditional menís coats have
showed up on most major runways this season. While inspirations are from decades
past, the results are tastefully modern. The latest reinventions are part
fashion accessory, part strategic layering. The result: A sophisticated look.

SIX CLASSIC STYLESAside from providing protection from natureís elements, a coat exudes power
and confidence. Architectural silhouettes, luxurious wools, unexpected details
and touches with furs make it essential to score the right coat. Select your
coat from six of the most recognized outerwear classics.

1. The Car Coat: The deconstructed, A-cut coat, in canvas or wool extends to
the middle of the thigh. Originally created for comfortable driving, the coat is
now an indispensable addition to your wardrobe.
2. The Chesterfield: A full-length tailored coat of herringbone tweed, often
paired with its signature black velvet collar. The definitive pick for formal
wear.
3. The Duffle: The medium-length hooded wool coat features horn buttons and
oversized pockets. The nonconformist shape is synonymous with classic British
style.
4. The Peacoat: A naval-inspired double-breasted worsted wool coat featuring
oversized lapels and large buttons. Ideal to show off an effortlessly stylish
vibe.
5. The Top Coat: The medium-length tailored coat, often made with gabardine
wool, is best worn with business attire.
6. The Trench: Forever classic, it remains a fall fashion staple. A raincoat
developed by Burberry for the British military, this casually versatile coat is
a basic essential that appeals to many men.

BASIC COAT REQUIREMENTSFor the fearfully uninitiated, consider your lifestyle and wardrobe needs
before choosing a color or cut. Opt for a coat that has sustainability. Tailored
or not, coats should be cut close to the body in order to retain warmth as
oversized coats allow cold air to seep in. Attention to detail, form and
function will save dollars on redundant outerwear in your closet.SINGLE VS. DOUBLE BREASTEDThe single-breasted coat creates a slimmer shape with its narrow overlap and
singular row of buttons (three or four). It is considered a timeless choice as
it can be worn open or buttoned down.
The double-breasted coat brings a robust feel, with its double row of buttons
(four or six)óalthough there is only a single row of buttonholes. The overlap of
fabric, where the left panel covers the right panel by several inches, hints
toward a bespoke elegance.

PROPER COAT LENGTHA medium- or three-quarter-length coat should fall a few inches above your
knee. A precise fitted three-quarter-length coat will elevate your status with
an authoritative presence. Ideal for men of all sizes and shapes. On the other
hand, a full-length coat or overcoat should fall around the lower level of your
shins. A tailor made, longer overcoat will add an especially polished finish to
your formal attire. This is a perfect example of a coat that works well for men
taller than 5í10".

THE RIGHT COAT FOR THE RIGHT WARDROBEFor casual, weekend or sport wear, the quintessential peacoat is the
standard for both warmth and uncompromising good looks. Consider a trip to your
local thrift shop or military surplus store to locate a truly authentic
government-issued kind. Youíll recognize one when you see a venerable 1" x 1"
white tag stitched onto the inside. Forego the tiresome logos and brands in
favor of a steadfast symbol of American quality. A slightly quirky patch on the
sleeves will show off a sturdy character with a hint of grand luxury. But, do
have your tailor mold the coat to your body for a good fit. For style-conscious
men with European tastes, the iconic duffle coat offers a cool edge with a twist
of British class just as easily.
For the man on the go, who finds himself more often in business casual than not,
a medium-length topcoat is a must have. A cleverly crafted topcoat looks sharp
when worn over soft trousers and a sports jacket. The lightweight topcoat is
highly functional yet low maintenance for jetsetters and executives alike. With
handsomely smart touches and superb drape and feel, for traditionalists itís the
perfect accompaniment to formal or business attire. Consider it a brilliant
investment that works exceptionally well in any context that mandates a coat
from day to night.
Evening wear demands the Chesterfield as the coat of choice. Created in the
1830s for the French aristocracy, this coat remains the regal option for
outerwear. Giving an authoritative appearance, the Chesterfield is compulsory
for formal events during the winter season. An elegantly elongated black
overcoat for the rest of us brings out an equally gorgeous classic and
surprisingly contemporary effect.

ON THE COATTAILS OF FALL 2007Men are veering away from leather in favor of wools this season. Brent
Cheney, head buyer for Maloufís, a luxury clothing store, says a surge of
requests for a chocolate-brown, mandarin-collared car coat signals a triumphant
result for color. "Easy and wearable, this coat creates a refined layered look
without the bulk. In the non-traditional brown, it works best with denim and
most other casual wear." Natural fibers creating worsted wools and luxe
cashmeres adhere to traditional eleganceómeticulously produced coats that move
with you rather than against you. Muted colors such as camels, grays and navys
have replaced antiquated blacks to make striking statements. More daring arrays
of browns will create a manís personal hallmark of style.